O JOY!

"... because JOY is withered away from the sons of men." (Joel 1:12)

The Prophet Joel describes a time (800 B.C.) of national disaster, a day of calamity, an hour of devastation. The devouring insects left only desolation. The new wine was dried up, the vine laid waste. There was no olive oil, the fig trees were bare without fruit, or bark. The seed rotted under the clods, the barns broken down, the herds had no pasture, fire burned pasture and trees, and the rivers were dried up.

Why the destitution? Joel declares that all these natural things are withered, because JOY is withered from men. (Joel 1:12) The central truth is that, according to the Spirit in prophecy, some local circumstance is shown to be of spiritual significance, and is a far-reaching prophecy. Here, also, is the powerful influence and effect of the spiritual upon the natural. They are interwoven. Withered JOY in the Spirit, causes withered things in the natural. Food (the natural) is cut off before our eyes; because JOY and gladness (cut off) from the house of our God. (Joel 1:16) Regardless, the prophet tells them to fear not, be glad and rejoice, for the Lord will do great things. (Joel 2:21 2:23)

We are commanded to rejoice in the Lord always, and evermore. (Philippians 1:3 3:1 4:4 1 Thessalonians 5:16) We are to rejoice with JOY unspeakable and full of glory. (1 Peter 1:8) Christianity is a 'religion' of natural JOY and the kingdom of God is ... righteousness, peace and JOY in the Holy Spirit, (Romans 14:17).

When we sing and rejoice with all our heart then the Lord, our God will rejoice over us with JOY and singing. (Zephaniah 3:14,17) When His people return and obey He will rejoice over them for good. (Deuteronomy 30:9) "Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting JOY upon their head; for they shall obtain gladness and JOY, sorrow and mourning shall flee away." (Isaiah 51:11) Let us obtain gladness and JOY, then sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Natural law on earth will not allow a vacuum, neither will spiritual law. Without the JOY of the Lord we become legalistic, dogmatic, judgmental, censorious, and resentful. (Remember the little boy who told his grandmother the old mule had religion for he had a long face like grandpa, and grandpa had religion.)

Happiness depends on what happens around you but JOY depends on what is going on within you. Your JOY does not come from things or circumstances but from the Lord as you exercise faith. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." (Proverbs 23:7) Thoughts produce feelings. Think, speak, act like an invalid and we will become as we think. Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report if there be any virtue, praise, think on these. (Philippians 4:8) We take JOY by faith and receive it.

When Mary, the expectant mother of Jesus, greeted Elizabeth the babe (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb for JOY, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:41,44,47) Mary declared her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior.

Jesus said that Abraham rejoiced (leaped for JOY) to see His day; and he saw it, and was glad. (John 8:56) Jesus said that if we keep His commandments and abide in His love His JOY would remain in us, and our JOY would be full. (John 15:11) We are to ask and receive that our JOY might be full. (John 16:24)

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for MY sake, Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:11,12) Again in Luke 6:22,23 they will hate, separate, reproach, and cast out your name as evil. Rejoice (leap for JOY) your reward is great in heaven. The apostles rejoiced when they suffered shame for Christ. (Acts 5:41) Paul overflowed with JOY in tribulations. (2 Corinthians 7:4) We are commanded to rejoice, if partakers of Christ's sufferings. (1 Peter 4:13,14) Persecution enhances JOY. Experiences of sorrow prepare and enlarge our capacity for JOY. (John 16:20 Romans 5:3,4 2 Corinthians 7:4 8:2) In times of sorrow and grief only the JOY of the Lord, our JOY can sustain us, keep us going and see us through. "For the JOY of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10) "Let the weak say, I am strong." (Joel 3:10)

SOURCES OF JOY!

God is our exceeding JOY and we JOY in God. (Psalms 43:4 Romans 5:11) If we love His Name we are to be JOYful. (Psalms 5:12). "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be JOYful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness." (Isaiah 61:10) My soul shall rejoice in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation. (Psalms 35:9) Finally ... rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 3:1 4:4) In God's presence is fullness of JOY! (Psalms 16:11)

Jeremiah 15:16 said the Word was the JOY and rejoicing of mine heart. Angels brought tidings of great JOY unto the shepherds announcing the birth of Christ. The Gospel is 'Good News' bringing JOY. After resurrection Jesus greeted His own with "0 JOY!". Believers have JOY of sins forgiven and their names written in heaven. (Luke 10:20) With JOY we draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:3) David cried out for God to restore unto him the JOY of salvation. (Psalms 51:12) Those who trust in God are to rejoice, shout for JOY and be JOYful. (Psalms 5:11) If we seek the Lord let our hearts rejoice~(1 Chronicles 16:10) We are to be glad and rejoice, for the Lord will do great things. (Joel 2:21) God brings forth His people with JOY, His chosen with gladness. (Psalms 105:43) The JOY of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) Let us remember: "This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24)

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS ... JOY!

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of JOY. Did not Jesus tell us a tree is known by its fruit? The manifestation, fruit, evidence of the Holy Spirit is Love, Peace, JOY, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23).

Is the fruit of the Spirit love only when everyone is lovely? Is the peace of God only when no conflict? JOY in good times only? No, always, for heaven's wine makes glad the heart, and heaven's oil makes the face to shine. (Psalms 104:15)

The prophet Joel told us to be glad and rejoice; to rejoice in the Lord; for God will pour out His Spirit. (Joel 2:21,23,28) The disciples were filled with JOY and with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 13:52) The same Spirit that was upon our Lord Jesus, that oil of gladness, the oil of JOY is promised to all believers. (Isaiah 6:1-3, Luke 4:18,19, Psalms 45:7, Acts 10:38, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8 2:4) We only have the Holy Spirit fullness in relationship to our JOY in the Lord. No JOY...no Holy Spirit filling. We are to be constantly filled with the Spirit singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. (Ephesians 5:18-20 Colossians 3:16) Let's get the songs of JOY rolling. The fruit of the Spirit is JOY!

The Gifts of the Spirit, administrations, and operations God has set in the church include helps. (1 Corinthians 12: 3,4,5,28) Paul said we are helpers of your JOY. (2 Corinthians 1:24). One 'gift' or ministry is to be a fellow-worker of JOY!

SERVE GOD WITH JOY OR SERVE YOUR ENEMIES!

God has commanded those who serve Him to serve Him willingly, with their whole heart, and JOYously. He said you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 12:7,12,18) We are to make a JOYful noise unto the Lord and serve the Lord with gladness. (Psalms 100:1, 2)

The Children of Israel had manifold reasons to be JOYful in God, but they refused to serve the Lord God with JOY. God delivered them from Egyptian bondage with signs and wonders ... the plagues ... the parting of the Red Sea ... the cloud ... the fire ... the manna ... water from the Rock ... divine health (Psalms 105:37) ... shoes and clothes that did not wear out (Exodus 29:5 ) ... the Shekinah of God's Divine Presence, and the defeat of every enemy when walking in full obedience.

These events are our examples, or types for us. (1 Corinthians 10:6,11) God was displeased with their lust after evil things; the idolatry, drinking, playing, fornication, murmuring, and ignoring His command to serve the Lord God with JOY.

"Because thou servest not the Lord thy God with JOYFULNESS, and GLADNESS of heart, for the abundance of all things, therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies ..."(Deuteronomy 28:47,48) God said sickness and disease would be brought upon you, your life will hang in doubt, and you will have no assurance of life. (v 60, 61, 66) God said you will serve your enemies, the heathen nation around you because you would not serve the Lord JOYfully. Obedience brings the blessings; disobedience brings the curses. (Deuteronomy 28)

We will be obedient to God's command to serve Him with JOY, or be disobedient, and serve our enemies. Today, our enemies include the enemy of sin, sickness, demons, fear, the old nature, poverty, and death. Let us serve the Lord our God with JOY! IF NOT WE SERVE OUR ENEMIES.

THE SACRIFICES OF JOY

"And now shall mine head be lifted above mine enemies round about me. Therefore will I offer .. sacrifices of JOY." (Psalms 27:6) In the Exodus the whole nation was called to be a kingdom of priests. (Exodus 19:6) Later the priesthood was only from the tribe of Levi. However, under grace we are a chosen generation, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:9, 5).

New Testament believers offer spiritual sacrifices of our bodies, (Romans 12:1, 2); our praises, (Hebrews 13:15); our substance with which God is well pleased, (Philippians 4:18); our service 'to do good', (Hebrews 13:16) and the sacrifice of JOY, (Psalms 27:6)

"Yea, and if I be offered (poured out as a drink offering) upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I JOY, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye JOY, and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:17, 18) Give unto God the sacrifice of JOY.

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall the fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail and the fields shall yield no food; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; Yet will I Rejoice in the Lord, I will JOY in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17, 18)

Written by Clement Humbard

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